Stephen Murfitt: Hand Rolled Coils

Hand rolled coils are the preference of Cambridge potter Stephen Murfitt who makes ceramic vessels that contain and reveal space through an infinite range of forms. The slow and contemplative process of coiling allows for intuitive developments to be made as the vessel grows.

“More time is spent on the refining of these forms through continuous scraping, sometimes carving, and finally some light burnishing to seal the surface prior to glazing,” explains Stephen, who employs a variety of making methods to facilitate the production of particular forms.

Folds, seams, edges and textures are all elements informed and inspired by the natural and built environments. “The forms are developed by combining a variety of hand building methods, including throwing, coiling, modelling, carving and occasionally press-moulding,” he says. “After bisque firing and glazing, each